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Health Insurance Coverage and Treatment Options

US Mental Health Coverage

Until the advent of The Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), the American economy suffered due to lack of coverage for mental illness. More than 25% of Americans suffer from various mental diseases, which translates into lost productivity, absenteeism, poor grades, failing marriages and a myriad of other issues which have a direct impact on the health of the country itself.

Facts about Obamacare

The ACA has increased both the quality and affordability of mental health insurance available to consumers. The program involves various subsidies supplemental programs to increase the scope, coverage and affordability of mental health care. The law requires that all insurance companies cover all applicants and offer the same rates, regardless of preexisting conditions. Obamacare aims to reduce future insurance and Medicare expenditures by focusing on preventative treatment and education.

Benefits of Obamacare

There are various benefits, rights and protections linked with the Obamacare program:

Under this program, young adults can stay on a parent’s plan until the age of 26

There will be no gender discrimination regarding any health insurance plan, including mental health insurance

You can make an expedited appeal against any unfavorable decision by your insurance company

The act expands the coverage up to the tens of millions by sponsoring the cost of health insurance in the marketplace

Small businesses can get tax breaks if they opt in, though it is mandatory for larger businesses to insure their employees.

Obamacare ensures the coverage of minimum benefits under all health insurance plans

Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), United Healthcare & Humana

BCBS (Blue Cross Blue Shield), United Healthcare and Humana offer different health insurance plans to cover your mental health related medical expenses. Both are pretty close to each other in providing the best health insurance plans for both inpatient and outpatient services. Humana has one edge on BCSC, as it offers services nationwide. Before selecting any health plan, it will be good to get essential mental health education. United Healthcare offers various plans to reduce your medical expenses, and with all you have some flexibility to choose custom plans that keep monthly payments as low as possible.

Intensive In-Home Services for Families

Did you know that mental health resources are available to your family, right in your own home? In fact, Intensive In-Home (I-IH) services prefer that the meetings take place inside the home. I-IH teams are made up of a licensed professional and two qualified mental health professionals who work with you and your family in two hour blocks twice a week. As the name suggests, it is an intensive service that is used when normal avenues, such as individual therapy, have either failed or are in need of additional support. Often I-IH teams will come into a home when a child presents with severe oppositional defiant disorder and the parents have demonstrated an inability to parent. I-IH provides support for both the parents and the children and can often prevent more drastic actions, such as the child being placed into therapeutic foster care of in the custody of the Department of Social Services. Many insurance companies cover at least some of the costs associated with this service. Medicaid tends to pay for all of it. Family Therapy

Counselors can also provide family therapy to children and their parents. The focus of family therapy is not necessarily a specific mental disorder but dysfunction within the family, also known as a system. Family therapy rests on the assumption that the system (family) has become dysfunctional in some way, and that dysfunction must be addressed with all members of the family in order for the problem to be addressed. Family therapy tends to take place in the counselor’s office and can be quite effective, provided all family members are willing to participate and embrace the concept of change.

With The Affordable Care Act, you can get the coverage you need at a cost you can afford. Before shopping any plan, learn about the benefits and costs of health insurance so that you get the best plan for you and your family.